Research over the years has shown that people who follow the Mediterranean diet principles experience better cognitive function. A recent study, published in the scientific journal NeuroImage, showed further evidence of an association between diet and healthy brain aging out of our alma mater, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This study tested cognitive function, as well as MRIs to evaluate brain network efficiency. Researchers found links between 5 nutrient biomarker patterns and better results on memory tests, general intelligence, executive function, and more efficiently process information, in people consuming the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet, (also Marion’s favorite types of food!), is based on the traditional foods of Italy and Greece and is considered a “Blue Zone” where people live long, healthy lives, with lower incidence of lifestyle diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and early death. It is a plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, potatoes, whole grains, herbs, and spices, as well as fish, seafood, and healthy fats such as cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, olives, avocados, and fresh yogurt. Beverages consumed are water, red wine, coffee and tea (without added sugar or sweeteners). Foods avoided are refined flour, sugar, soda, margarine, oils, processed meats, and other highly processed so-called “foods.”
The Mediterranean lifestyle also includes regular daily walking, bicycling, reading and socializing with your “tribe,” all things that are easy to do here on our beautiful Sanibel Island. Let’s face it, we can get outside just about any day of the week! Our local grocery stores provide great sources of healthy Mediterranean foods. We have a great library and many sources of brain-stimulating activities right here! Let’s make sure we all take advantage of these things that will help our brains age gracefully!